PNS · 186. Median nerve · Anatomy · MU Sofia

PNS · 186. Median nerve.

Covers the median nerve's origin from the lateral and medial cords of the brachial plexus, then its course through the axilla, arm, forearm and hand, passing between the heads of pronator teres and deep to the flexor retinaculum. Lists its branches by region, from the forearm muscular and anterior interosseous branches to the thenar and lumbrical-supplying terminal branches, and ends with its motor and sensory functions.

Inside: 4 sections · 5 labelled pictures · 10 flashcards · 2 min

Topic 170 of 264 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Anatomy (Dental Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 4 sections, about 212 words (2 min of reading), with 10 flashcards.

MEDIAN NERVE (C₆ - T₁)

The median nerve is one of the major nerves originating from the brachial plexus, specifically from contributions of the lateral and medial cords
It plays a crucial role in the innervation of muscles and skin in the forearm, hand, & fingers.

Course :

In axilla and arm: - lateral to 3rd part of axillary a. and upper half of brachial a.

At middle of arm crosses in front of brachial a. to descend on its medial side down to cubital fossa.

In forearm : - Enters forearm by passing between 2 heads of pronator teres

Runs deep to flex. digit. superficialis

In hand : Enters hand by passing deep to flex. retinaculum.

Ends by dividing into medial & lateral terminal branches.

Branches :

In axilla & arm : No branches

In forearm :

1. muscular branches to all superficial flexors except flex. carpi. ulnaris.
2. Anterior interosseous n. : supplies deep forearm muscles.
3. Palmar cutaneous br. supplying lateral 2/3 of palm of hand.

In hand:

4. Muscular br : supplying thenar muscles
5. Lateral terminal br. supplying 1st lumbrical & palmar aspect of thumb + lat. half of index finger.

Medial terminal br supplying 2nd lumbrical and palmar aspect of the rest of lat. 3 ½ fingers.